On Second Thought

Marillion’s ‘Marbles’ Completed a Remarkable Steve Hogarth-Era Transformation

Marillion’s ‘Marbles’ Completed a Remarkable Steve Hogarth-Era Transformation

Marillion’s ‘Marbles’ arrived 15 years ago today as this odd beast: a modern-rock concept album with few of the pretensions associated with concept albums.

Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger Went Gloriously Panoramic With ‘Midnight Sun’

Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger Went Gloriously Panoramic With ‘Midnight Sun’

Five years ago, the Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger’s ‘Midnight Sun’ created an alternate universe filled with undiscovered musical worlds.

Patti Smith Rocked a Different Way on the Very Adult ‘Trampin”

Patti Smith Rocked a Different Way on the Very Adult ‘Trampin”

Could Patti Smith meld thoughts on family with her patented brand of punk-poet attitude? We found out 25 years ago today.

How Johnny Cash Challenged Convention Once Again on ‘American Recordings’

How Johnny Cash Challenged Convention Once Again on ‘American Recordings’

Johnny Cash’s ‘American Recordings’ arrived 25 years ago today like this shimmering life preserver amid a sea of hat acts.

Why Pat Metheny’s ‘New Chautauqua’ Still Provides an Important Refuge

Why Pat Metheny’s ‘New Chautauqua’ Still Provides an Important Refuge

40 years ago, Pat Metheny took the first of many detours into quiet emotion. ‘New Chautauqua’ remains the one that most strongly connects.

Cyril Neville Brought Patented Passion to the Aptly Named ‘Brand New Blues’

Cyril Neville Brought Patented Passion to the Aptly Named ‘Brand New Blues’

Cyril Neville’s gritty, honest and culturally rich ‘Brand New Blues’ arrived 10 years ago this month.

Vinyl

Joe Satriani’s ‘Is There Love In Space?’ Showcased His Best (and Worst) Impulses

What Joe Satriani does best is sing – on the guitar. ‘Is There Love In Space?’ arrived 15 years ago today as more proof.

Vinyl

Peter Himmelman’s Long-Form Triumph ‘Skin’ Continues to Mystify – In a Good Way

Peter Himmelman released a concept album 25 years ago today, and I’m still not sure I understand what happens. I hope I never will.

How the Sweet Finally Came Into Their Own With ‘Sweet Fanny Adams’

How the Sweet Finally Came Into Their Own With ‘Sweet Fanny Adams’

‘Sweet Fanny Adams,’ thought of as the first genuine album from the Sweet, arrived 45 years ago this month.

Diana Krall’s Sweetly Erotic ‘Quiet Nights’ Was Perfectly Named

Diana Krall’s Sweetly Erotic ‘Quiet Nights’ Was Perfectly Named

Released a decade ago today, Diana Krall’s ‘Quiet Nights’ succeeds as easy listening – in the best sense of those words.